Enhancing Ocean Safety and Security
The maritime industry is grappling with a host of challenges, including cybersecurity threats, decarbonization, supply chain disruptions, and freedom of navigation. Airbus, a leading player in the aerospace industry, is contributing to addressing some of these issues through its maritime patrol aircraft technology and digital innovations.
Enhancing Maritime Surveillance and Security
One of Airbus's key contributions is the development of the A321 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA), which is designed to replace the Dassault Atlantique 2 used by the French Navy. This aircraft offers advanced capabilities in maritime environments, enhancing surveillance and security operations [2].
Digitalization and Innovation
While Airbus primarily focuses on aerospace, its involvement in digitalization and innovation can indirectly support maritime sectors. By enhancing surveillance and security technologies, these innovations may be adapted for maritime use in the future.
Integrated Systems for Actionable Intelligence
Airbus is also acting as an architect, integrating tactical systems of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), planes, and rotorcraft with datalinks to communicate with each other and with customers' legacy systems, NATO systems, or those of other suppliers. The purpose of this integration is to provide actionable intelligence based on important data, enabling customers to make informed decisions [1].
Addressing Future Challenges
Recognizing the need to address future challenges, Airbus is developing new solutions for rotary wing, fixed wing, UAV, and satellite systems. For instance, the VSR700 UAS extends the visual range and reach of corvettes and larger warships for various missions, while the A320M3A is being developed for a range of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) functions, including maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare [1].
The Role in Maritime Surveillance and Security
Airbus STYRIS Coastal Surveillance Systems are deployed for maritime surveillance, and the H160M HIL helicopter will be introduced for navies in surveillance and interception missions. The small-scale Aliaca drone is used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and the Zephyr HAPS falls under the category of C4ISR, providing global surveillance capabilities, able to operate anytime, anywhere in the world [1].
Overcoming Maritime Risks
Weather poses a significant risk to shipping, as demonstrated by the Erika oil spill incident. To mitigate such risks, Airbus is introducing the high-altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS) Zephyr for defense and civil missions. This solar-powered asset is designed to fly for months at a time, combining the presence of a satellite with a UAV's payloads, providing continuous weather monitoring and tracking capabilities [1].
In addition, the world's transport of goods is primarily handled by shipping. Governments, navies, and international organizations are taking actions to monitor, deter, study, and safeguard coasts and high seas. For example, the Straits of Malacca sees 200 to 300 vessels each day, making it a critical strategic location [4].
Airbus's integrated system has already proven its usefulness, as demonstrated by its potential to alert two small craft on a collision course near Corsica [1]. By providing advanced maritime surveillance and security capabilities, Airbus is helping to ensure the safety and efficiency of global shipping operations.
[1] Airbus (2021). Airbus Defence and Space. Retrieved from www.airbus.com/defence-space/en/products/maritime-surveillance.html
[2] Leclercq, G. (2020). A321 MPA: Airbus's new maritime patrol aircraft. Retrieved from www.airbus.com/defence-space/en/news/2020/03/a321-mpa-airbus-new-maritime-patrol-aircraft.html
[3] European Union Agency for Cybersecurity. (2020). Cybersecurity Act. Retrieved from ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12520-Cybersecurity-Act_en
[4] International Maritime Bureau. (2021). Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships. Retrieved from www.imb.org/piracy/annual-stats
[5] United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. (2020). Review of Maritime Transport 2020. Retrieved from unctad.org/en/PublicationsLibrary/transportd3_maritime_2020_en.pdf
- In response to the challenges faced by the maritime industry, such as cybersecurity threats, decarbonization, and supply chain disruptions, Airbus is developing the A321 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) for enhanced maritime surveillance and security.
- By integrating tactical systems of UAVs, planes, and rotorcraft, Airbus aims to provide actionable intelligence based on crucial data, enabling customers to make informed decisions.
- Airbus is also developing new solutions for rotary wing, fixed wing, UAV, and satellite systems to address future challenges, including the VSR700 UAS and the A320M3A for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) functions.
- Airbus STYRIS Coastal Surveillance Systems are deployed for maritime surveillance, and the H160M HIL helicopter is introduced for navies in surveillance and interception missions.
- To mitigate weather risks, such as the Erika oil spill incident, Airbus is introducing the solar-powered high-altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS) Zephyr for continuous weather monitoring and tracking capabilities.
- The integrated maritime surveillance and security capabilities provided by Airbus contribute to the safety and efficiency of global shipping operations, especially in strategic locations like the Straits of Malacca.
